BubbleStream

Amy Braun

Amber Sky

Synopsis

Press-ganged into servitude by a ruthless band of marauders who survived the devastating Storm, Nash has grown tired of his career– the young, undefeated champion of the Stray Dog fighting pits. All he longs for is a place to live where his family is not his enemy.
When his captain gives him an assignment to embed him deeper into the crew, Nash attempts to refuse, until the life of his friend is threatened. Determined to save her, Nash embarks on the mission to subjugate and control a supplier. But the supplier has other clients, one of which could be the son of the most feared pirate captain in all of Westraven.
And if Nash plays his cards right, the key to his deeply desired freedom, if he can live with the consequences of his choice…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Nash and Sawyer crossed paths– and fists. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.

Author Insight

"You know it won't get any better, right?"

While Nash knows his relationship with Sonya will never have a future, he's still a young man with dreams. Though his existence is an endless stream of abuse and dishonour, he can't give up the hope that some day he'll find a way to become free. Sonya, a woman who has seen many black-hearted men in her time with the Stray Dog marauder Clan, knows otherwise. In the face of such dismal odds and pitiful living circumstances, what will it take for Nash to recover the hope he's losing?

Book Excerpt

Amber Sky

“You know it won’t get any better, right?” she said. “This is the most we can ever hope for.”

I looked at my reflection in the murky water. “I know.”

“Then why do you fight it? You have protection. Food. A room to sleep in for a few nights. You can have me. Might not be the life you dreamed of, but it’s better than most. Don’t you want a little bit of happiness? Can’t this be enough?”

I watched the water ripple, an obscured mirror of myself.

“Could be. But it’s not.”

Sonya kissed my cheek and tried to make casual conversation as she cleaned and wrapped my wounds. Thankfully nothing was broken this time. I did my best to be polite and friendly so she would smile, but my mind was on autopilot. I barely even noticed when she left.

Sonya’s words nagged at me when I was alone. Pushed against what I believed.

Three years of fighting for my life in the Crater taught me how to survive. But not how to live. And that was what I was hoping for.

A life where I didn’t have to suffer in battles for my life. Where I could trust someone on my own terms. Where I could fall in love again without worrying that I’d only be a way to pass time.

Stupid hopes in a world overrun with bloodthirsty monsters and cold-hearted warlords. But I remembered my life before The Storm. I remembered having a family. Being safe. Cared for.

I wanted those feelings to come back more than anything, but the more I fought, the more I saw, the more my hope began to fade.